Valentina Sampaio makes history by becoming the first transgender model to be featured on Sports Illustrated
When it comes to pushing for diversity, Sports Illustrated has been putting more effort towards inclusion. In 2016, the infamous swimsuit magazine featured Ashley Graham as the brand’s first plus-size cover star. Three years later, Halima Aden graced the magazine as the first hijab-wearing model. Now, another model is making history and this time it’s none other than Brazilian beauty Valentina Sampaio.
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On Friday, it was announced that Valentina would become the first transgender model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue as their 2020 Rookie. In a personal essay for the brand, the model thanked the magazine “for seeing and respecting me as I truly am. For understanding that more than anything, I am human.”
She added, “Being trans usually means facing closed doors to peoples’ hearts and minds. We face snickers, insults, fearful reactions and physical violations just for existing. Our options for growing up in a loving and accepting family, having a fruitful experience at school or finding dignified work are unimaginably limited and challenging. I recognize that I am one of the fortunate ones, and my intention is to honor that as best I can.”
The SI Swimsuit issue also features several other 2020 Rookies including Lorena Duran, Brooks Nader, Hyunjoo Hwang and a few others.
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Almost a year ago, Sampaio celebrated another personal milestone when she became the first transgender model to work with Victoria’s Secret. The then 22-year-old, whose career took off in 2014 during Dragão Fashion Brasil, teamed up with the lingerie brand for a new Pink campaign.
The 2020 SI Swimsuit issue starring Valentina Sampaio will hit stands July 21.
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